Former President Trump is no stranger to controversy and the golf course.
LIV Golf has made waves by acquiring some of the biggest names from the PGA Tour (Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Keopka, Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson and more). The main issue is where the money is coming from to finance this new golf series: the Saudis.
When President Trump was asked about the issue by John Barr of ESPN before Thursday’s round at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster he responded saying the following:
“I’ve known these people for a long time… They’ve been friends of mine for a long time. They’ve invested in many American companies. They own big percentages of many, many American companies and, frankly, what they’re doing for golf is so great. What they’re doing for the players is so great. The salaries are going to go way up.”
Sure, foreign governments are involved in American businesses. They have been for generations. The issue for some is the questionable history of Saudi finances.
Charles Barkley, who may be joining the league as a broadcaster responded to the criticism by saying, “Everybody’s making up words, like, sportswashing and dirty money. I’m like, listen, if you play sports, we all take money from some sources you might not love or appreciate.”
Barkley continued, “I don’t want to be a hypocrite. These guys [LIV golfers] are trying to make a living. I wish them nothing but the best. Same thing with my friends on the PGA Tour. But everybody is just kinda like trying to play the moral card.”
In response to the organization 9/11 Justice who sent a letter to President Trump voicing their displeasure he said:
It’ll be interesting to see how the public perception continues to mold while droves of golfers are signing with the league. Personally, I feel a little uneasy but they truly are changing the game of golf. The structure of the league is exciting. The money is extravagant. The personalities and competition are competitive to the PGA Tour. It’s a force that is terrifying the PGA Tour. Rightfully so.
President Trump will host this weekend’s tournament as well as the sending-ending LIV team championship at the beautiful Blue Monster at Trump National Doral in Miami, Florida, October 27-30.
